SPECIALIST, SPECIAL EDUCATION

Denver Public Schools•Denver, CO

1d•$76,211 - $91,454

About The Position

The Special Education Specialist improves student achievement by providing individualized support to schools, leading professional learning communities for teacher and school leaders, designing and leading district professional learning for teachers, and partnering with Directors of Schools. The role supports effective specialized instruction and integrates the District’s vision for Culturally Responsive Education (CRE). It also advises schools on legal requirements related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The specialist works with schools and district teams to strengthen specialized instruction, inclusion, culturally responsive teaching, and services for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. The role includes analyzing assessment data and classroom observations, supporting curriculum adoption and implementation, and helping schools meet student outcome goals and IDEA requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field.
At least four years of teaching experience in Special Education or a relevant subject area, including at least two years of experience coaching other teachers.
Special Education Teacher or Related Services license with the Colorado Department of Education.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Effective time management and organizational skills.
Skill in providing professional development and coaching for adult learners.
Effective communication skills and strong attention to detail.
Ability to handle multiple demands and competing deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively on a team and adapt to changing expectations in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of effective specialized instruction.
Ability to travel to sites throughout the District.
Understanding of IDEA and current laws and court decisions related to special education.
Valid driver’s license, appropriate insurance, and a clean driving record for the past three years.
Commitment to racial and educational excellence, dismantling systems of oppression and inequity, and supporting all students’ access to high-quality education and sense of belonging.
Must live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado.
Ability, with or without accommodations, to meet the physical demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.
Director of Special Education license.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate professional development for schools on effective specialized instruction and inclusion, and coach and advise school staff on curricular materials.
Provide consultation, support, and direction to schools and special education teams so they can meet school-level IDEA expectations and manage special education services effectively.
Elevate school-level concerns and raise awareness of potential IDEA implementation issues that could create legal risks.
Partner with the academics team to develop and facilitate professional learning cycles for district and school teams focused on district priorities and measurable student outcomes.
Facilitate learning cycles across schools, including collaboratively setting goals, conducting observations, and coaching participants.
Model culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders, including instructional planning, data meetings, and feedback conversations.
Analyze district local assessment data and classroom observations to inform school support.
Collaborate with a team to achieve actionable, observable student-level results and contribute to a team culture grounded in district values and service to schools.
Partner with the multilingual education team to develop professional learning and coaching opportunities on supporting multilingual learners.
Support district curriculum adoption and implementation.
Perform other duties as assigned.